The 719 Coaches Show

To kick off spring sports shows, Colin Prater talks about his journey from high school and college golfer to teacher and coach. He talks about his family's background and how that played a role in where he is today and also recounts one of the more incredible moments of his life, caddying for MLB hall of fame pitcher John Smoltz in the 2018 US Senior Open at the Broadmoor. Although he knows his way around most golf courses in Colorado, the players he coaches constantly remind him that it's important to always keep learning.

Heading into the Class 4A boys basketball final four, Lewis-Palmer coach Bill Benton looks ahead at what the weekend has in store for the Rangers as well as the three other teams still playing. He gets into his thoughts on classification, the shot clock and state championship venues as well as the joy he gets watching his former players continue their careers at the collegiate level.

Cheyenne Mountain is trying to win its first state hockey championship since 2004 and coach Erik Austin joined us to chat about his time as a player for Cheyenne Mountain, his thoughts on the growth of high school hockey and how his players are approaching Tuesday's championship game against Colorado Academy.

First-year Manitou Springs coach Jessie Nunley previews the Class 3A girls basketball state tournament. She chats about taking over for a Manitou legend in Justin Armour and how she strives to maintain the respect of the community as she leads the program into its next chapter. She also talks about the challenges that she and her team have faced this season in their journey to reaching the state tournament.

Manitou Springs coach Brian Vecchio joins to talk about his journey from high school and college player to coach. He talks about the shot clock, what makes a great high school official and his thoughts on the classification system in Colorado. He also dives into the 3A boys basketball state tournament as his Mustangs will take on Middle Park in the first round.

Pine Creek boys basketball coach Joe Rausch talks about his path into coaching, touches on the prospect of a shot clock for Colorado high school basketball and previews the 5A boys basketball state tournament.

Palmer Ridge boys basketball coach Nick Mayer previews the 4A boys basketball state tournament.

Theresa Scott opens up about raising basketball players and chats a bit about the upcoming Class 5A girls basketball state tournament.

Lewis-Palmer wrestling coach Cole Jackson recounts his father's Olympic past and talks about his anticipation for the regional and state wrestling tournaments.

The state volleyball tournament begins on Thursday at the Broadmoor World Arena and Discovery Canyon coach Melissa Bravo took the time to talk about the strength of the PPAC, the current double-elimination format at state and how sports will encourage the development of high school kids.

FFC coach Jake Novotny maps out his journey that led him to be the coach of the Trojans. Jake and Dan then preview the Class 4A and 5A football playoffs.

With state golf getting underway on Monday, Pine Creek boys golf coach Joey Fillo talked about the Eagles' path through regionals and the home course advantage they might have at the Colorado Springs Country Club.

Nikki Bloemen almost gave up volleyball altogether. But a change in her college team reignited her passion and now she's a state championship winning coach at Rampart.

Coronado football coach Monte Gutowski dishes on lessons he and his team learn from wins and losses while diving into specialization, coaching his son and what the Cougars are capable of this season.

Cheyenne Mountain John Carricato is trying to guide his team to a second straight Class 4A boys golf championship. Also a respected official, John discusses the attributes that makes a good high school referee.